Welcome to the second week of our Advent Series, God with Us in the Word.  This Advent season we are turning to one of the many ways God remains with us–through Scripture.

The Living Word:  

After almost two decades of praying with Scripture on a regular basis, I know that there is something to calling Scripture the Living Word of God.  While we are reading or hearing words that were spoken or written thousands of years ago, the Word of God is still relevant to our lives today.  As we read and pray scripture, the words begin to read our lives and offer us and teach us of the promises of God.  Promises such as…

• We are not alone
• We are unconditionally loved
• We are offered mercy
• We can find rest
• We have an accompanier in our suffering
• A relationship with the source of hope and joy

When we pray with Scripture in a slow, rhythmic, and reflective way like Lectio Divina, the Living Word of God connects with our present life and offers us comfort, encouragement, clarity, or direction.

This week we will pray with the Sunday Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 85:9-14.  It is a psalm that captures the promises of the Lord’s kindness and promise of salvation.  I invite you to listen to the guided Lectio Divina on this scripture or use the steps listed for Lectio Divina to pray with this Sunday’s psalm on your own.

Guided Lectio Divina on Ps 85:  9-14: 

Click Here to Listen in Soundcloud

Review of the Steps of Lectio Divina:

Here’s a brief recap of the steps of Lectio Divina:

1. Read: Pick any passage in Scripture.  Slowly, thoughtfully, savor the word.  Linger whenever a word or phrase touches your heart.
2. Reflect: What is God saying to you in this passage?  Offering you?  Asking you?
3. Respond: Respond to God from your heart.  Speak to God of your feelings and insights.  Offer these to God.
4. Rest in God: Sit quietly in God’s presence.  Rest in God’s love.

Go Deeper?

• Resources:
  • Listen to the song based on Psalm 85
  • Infographic on Lectio Divina
  • Teaching Lectio Divina to kids
• Scriptures for Support: 
  • Psalm 85: 9-14
  • Second Sunday of Advent Mass Readings

Advent Evening of Reflection for Women Tomorrow Night:   

December 11, 2017, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Making Room for God’s Greatest Gift

Mary accepted and made room for Jesus in her life.   We too, can experience Jesus’ presence in our daily lives. Pause in the midst of Christmas preparations to join women from across Baton Rouge for a night of prayer, fellowship and reflection.

Registration is free.  Click here to register!

Are you pregnant with a book?

Since I published my book, I get a lot of questions from people who want to write a book or who wonder what goes into the process. I’m not able to answer all the questions I receive, but the good news is that I know someone who can! Christianne Squires of Bookwifery helped me birth the book I published this year, and she is offering a free live webinar this week on the topic “Are You Pregnant With a Book?” Christianne and I met through our ministries of spiritual direction, and we quickly became friends.  She uses principles of discernment in her work with writers, and I trust she will be able to help you with your own discernment on this question. You can sign up for the webinar here.

Advent Sale on Busy Lives Restless Souls

During this Advent Season, you can order a signed copy of Busy Lives & Restless Souls for just $10.

As a special bonus, I’ll include four prayer cards for you to use or share.

Order by December 20th to receive in time for Christmas gifts!

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.